Rome High School FFA students Iris McHaggee and Johannah Monson captured a national championship at the 99th National FFA Convention & Expo in Indianapolis, claiming first place in the National FFA Agriscience Fair and bringing home one of the nation's highest honors in agricultural education.
McHaggee and Monson claimed the national title in Power, Structural and Technical Systems, Division 4, with their research project, “Efficiency of 3D Printer Waste as Filter Media in 10-Gallon Aquariums.”
Their project investigated whether waste from 3D printing could be repurposed as aquarium filtration media. McHaggee and Monson conducted a controlled experiment comparing aquarium water quality across tanks using 3D printer waste, conventional filtration media, and a control. They collected and analyzed data and documented their findings in a scientific research paper. After advancing through state and national judging, they earned first place in their category and division.
"Winning a national championship is an extraordinary accomplishment, and we could not be prouder of Iris and Johannah," Rome High School Principal Dr. Christy Epps said. "Their research demonstrates the creativity, critical thinking, and determination our students bring to their work every day. To compete against students from across the country and come home as national champions is a tremendous achievement for these young ladies, our FFA chapter, and Rome High School."
The national championship was not the only recognition Rome FFA brought home from Indianapolis. The chapter also received a Two-Star National Chapter Award, recognizing its work to develop student leaders, strengthen communities, and promote agricultural education.
Rome FFA advisor Rachael Dunaway praised the students' accomplishments and the dedication of the entire chapter.
“Receiving the Two-Star National Chapter Award was such a proud moment because it recognized our chapter’s work throughout the year and the effort our officers and members put into the application,” Dunaway said. “Then, standing on stage alongside Iris and Johannah as they were named national champions became a moment I will never forget. As their advisor, I get to see the work behind the recognition—the questions, the problem-solving, and the dedication it takes to carry a research project this far. I am so proud of these girls, and I hope their success helps other students see that their ideas can lead to something extraordinary.”
The National FFA Agriscience Fair provides students opportunities to apply scientific principles and emerging technologies to agricultural challenges through research and experimentation.
For McHaggee and Monson, the national championship represents the culmination of their research and success through multiple levels of competition. For Rome FFA, the two national honors highlight the strength of the chapter's agricultural education program and the opportunities available to Rome High School students.
Rome City Schools Superintendent Dr. Eric L. Holland said the achievement demonstrates the value of connecting classroom instruction with real-world learning.
"When we talk about preparing students for college and careers, this is exactly the kind of opportunity we want them to have," Dr. Holland said. "Iris and Johannah took what they learned in the classroom, applied it to a real-world challenge, and became national champions. That speaks volumes about their dedication and the quality of our agricultural education program. I also want to congratulate our entire FFA chapter and the educators who helped make this success possible."